Sith Happens

[Meira]

Nar Shadaa. Such a disgusting place. But at least there was no attempt to dress it up as something else. It was a run down hive of vice with bright lights. For some, it was the perfect place to hide, for others, it was the perfect place to make a few quick credits. For Renata, it was a place to find someone who had caused a ripple in the force.

The ship moved through the polluted air until it came to rest on a landing pad, its exhaust vents hissing out steam. The ramp lowered and Renata emerged, her entire figure shrouded in her outer robe and her hood pulled up so that only her mouth showed from its shade. A man approached, his chest puffed up and a strut in his step. This was a walk perfected by dock owners who actually wanted their docking fees paid on this rough world. Unfortunately for him, his approach made no impact. In fact, the reverse was true. The closer the man came, the more confidence seemed to drain from him until he reached Renata.

The uhh... There's a fee to.. to uh... to land here lady. He stumbled over the words as an icy sense of fear washed over him, as if a dark cloud was streaming out from Renata and piercing into his very heart. She lifted her head slightly. The mixture of ice blue and bright yellow in her eyes cut through his facade, seeing the man for what he was. A blubbering coward. Her thin lips curled into a smile of satisfaction as she moved past the man, who could only stare in open-mouthed shock.

Refuel the ship. She said to the man as she made to leave. Then, from the ship, two recon droids floated out and went on their way. Renata turned before leaving the docking bay. Through the force, she spoke to Jerek. You may follow me, or do some searching on your own. She would wait for his response, but not forever. She had work to do, and though she had allowed the man and his apprentice to travel with her, she would not let them slow her down.

[Jerek]

Jerek choked in on the polluting smoke. He scowled. Then, smirked as the man was intimidated by the Dark Lady of the Sith. I believe I'll follow you, Lady Renata Jerek's telepathic message went flying through the air, guided by the Force, until it was beamed into Renata's head. Jerek quickly caught, walking at her side. He slowly pulled the hood of his black robes up so that it covered his face. Erael, you may explore as you wish as long as you are back when we depart. I will not have you hold up Lady Renata. Jerek's second message went to Erael.

Jerek felt almost strange. He could feel the form of a Force Being. Another Dark it seemed. Jerek smirked from beneath his hood. Lady Renata, if the Force Being we're tracking tries to run or attempts to fight back, may I detain them? Jerek had respect for Renata; her being Lady of the Sith that he now served. Jerek shut his eyes as he walked at Renata's side. He felt the metallic forms of his two lightsabers. He was anxious to learn a new art of lightsaber combat. His eyes snapped open, and he became conscious of his surroundings. He was Nar Shadda, walking beside Renata, the Dark Lady of the Sith.

[Meira]

Renata smiled as Jerek responded and then took his place by her side. She turned to leave, leading the way. She could feel the presence like a pulse. When she breathed, it was if she could smell it in the air. Oh, how she loved the hunt. Even if her prey was an intended ally, the process of tracking was such a thrill.

Jerek's question reverberated in her mind as they came to a main square. She slowed, keeping to the shadows until she stopped at the opening of an alley. There the two stood as Renata, closing her eyes, reached out with her senses. Before they moved on, she wanted to know the area well. As she learned of her surroundings, she answered Jerek in a soft voice, her eyes still closed.

You must be careful when wielding two blades. Think back to your beginning years as you learned the art of the lightsaber. The difficulty is multiplied when adding another blade. After a few moments of silence, she opened her eyes again and turned to face Jerek. Even in the darkness of the moon, Renata's eyes seemed to glow with an inner fire. I sense your eagerness, and this is good. But for now, if we must fight, we shall both use one blade. Watch me as we do. The Niman style of combat is the basis from which we learn Jar-Kai. Observe the movements. When we are in a more safe environment, then I will show you the subtleties of dual weild.

With that, Renata began to move again. She was circling them closer and closer to the source of the ripple in the force. Soon enough, this being would feel their presence. She would let the being come to them. This would allow a meeting on common ground, with no surprises. Finally she found a suitable place, well within detection from the being they sought. Here. We wait. She said, kneeling down and resting on the ground. She sat with both legs underneath her, rather than cross legged, her hands resting calmly on her knees. Sit and let your senses cast a net around you. Stretch them as far as they will go. Keep vigilant and meditate on the power the force provides.

((We now pretty much wait for Phoenix))

[Jerek]

Jerek swept the scene once with his glowing yellow eyes before crouching down beside of Renata. He allowed his senses to flow. He manipulated the Force to search the area. He could sense a Force Being, their target. The pulse waves it gave off. Jerek was positive it could sense Lady Renata nd himself as well. Yes, of course it could sense them. Renata had planned it. She was staying here for the target to come to them.

(Short, I know, and I'm sorry for that...)

[Kross]

Dmitri cursed himself for the position he'd allowed himself to get into. His ship, in its severe state of disrepair, had turned out to be rather close to its death when Dmitri left his place of exile. Now, here he was, crash-landed on some God-forsaken moon; and it was full of people. I hate people, Dmitri mused, as he made his way away from his destroyed ship. Surely, it was beyond ever becoming flight-worthy again, and Dmitri would need another form of transportation before he began killing people in his need to get away from them.

As he entered a relatively empty sector, there was all of a sudden a pulse, a ripple. Dmitri took a second and stopped, unable to comprehend what he was sensing. In his years of exile, Dmitri had lost his ability to use the force for much more than combat. He'd never been able to sense another force user until now. This one must be powerful; powerful enough to break through Dmitri's blindness to such things. Intrigued, Dmitri pressed forward, approaching the ripple in the force.

When he'd finally reached his destination, he knew it. A man and a woman sat next to each-other on the ground, possibly meditating. Whenever Dmitri closed his eyes, he could see a light where the woman sat. It was faint, to be sure, but it was there; which was more to say than for anyone else, as the man next to her gave off no such light. With his curiosity piqued, Dmitri approached, his hand moving to his lightsaber.

"You... are a Jedi?" Dmitri asked, his hatred for the Jedi filling his words with malice, making them vicious.

[Meira]

Renata payed close attention as Jerek followed her instructions. His powers and abilities were strong. He would serve her master well. Her attention, however, was pulled away as the presence she had detected began to move in their direction. The closer this one got, the more she could feel that he had indeed been tainted by the dark side. But there was something else. His signature in the force was, different. She couldn't quite place her finger on it. It seemed something she would have to learn the old fashioned way.

And her chance came only moments later. The one they sought now stood before them. A man who almost seemed lost, or maybe just curious. When he spoke, a smile slithered it's way across Renata's thin lips. Her eyes glanced up at the man, now almost entirely a golden yellow. The ice blue they had once been seemed to be fading with every follower she collected for her master. His words were like poisonous darts, and she drank in the rage that fueled them.

I sense great anger in you. She said, her voice low as if the feeling of it gave pleasure. Her eyes saw his hand move to his lightsaber at his side. Slowly, she stood, letting her robe fall to the ground, exposing her skeletal figure. In truth, to see Renata alone was not intimidating. She seemed frail and easily broken. But when one could sense the power of the Sith her master had bestowed inside of her, there could be no doubt of her power.

Would you like to kill me? She asked, her voice fluttering over the words as if she were asking the man to dance. The more she stood in his presence, the more she understood him. Mere impressions would not be enough for this man. He seemed more... physical. She smiled and even batted her eyes. Your anger gives you strength. Surely I am no challenge. After speaking these provoking words, her voice turned inward and was directed for only Jerek to hear. I sense this one to be a strong fighter. He will not run. Do you wish to try him, or observe my technique?

[Jerek]

Jerek's eyes snapped open suddenly as the Force Being grew nearer. He was quicker to stand than Renata. The man finally found his way to Renata's and Jerek's position. His hand curved for his lightsaber as he asked if Renata or Jerek were Jedi. Jerek scowled at the man. Jerek be mistaken for a Jedi? It would not stand.

Then, Renata asked Jerek if he wanted to handle the man. Yes, My Lady, allow me! Jerek's hand slid to his robe fastening and unclipped it. His robes fluttered to the ground in a ruffle behind Jerek. Jerek's body was revealed. He wore a sleeveless tunic over his torso and black pants. He also had black vambraces clamped to both wrists.

His right hand found the straight-hilt yellow lightsaber on his belt. He pulled it up to his side and ignited it by opening the internal chamber with the Force. The familiar yellow extension of the arm greeted Jerek. His eyes closed, then opened. They seemed to have instantaneously change from regular yellow to a fine glowing yellow, streaked with red. "Come, Blind One. Face me." Jerek's words were calm, as he adjusted to his usual fight stance.

[Kross]

She is a Jedi, Dmitri thought, deflecting questions with more questions; she will die. Suddenly, the man stripped himself of his outer robe, and held a lightsaber in his hand, igniting it.

"Come blind one, face me," Dmitri heard him say. It startled him somewhat, since Dmitri's physical sight was fine. Could this mere apprentice sense his blindness to the inner complexities of the force? Startling indeed.

"I see, more Jedi cowardice, sending a pawn to do a Master's work. Very well, I shall dispose of your pawn, then death shall be brought to your doorstep as well," Dmitri snarled. Drawing his saber and igniting it, he clashed with the apprentice. As the two fell into combat, sabers bouncing from eachother, Dmitri was assured of his superiority.

I'm better, I'm stronger. He began to beat upon the opponent's blade, intending to overcome him with superior power, allowing hate to be his fuel. This proved to be a mistake, as the man knocked Dmitri's saber back fiercly with a powerful parry and made to slice across his chest. Just barely leaping back in time, Dmitri managed to escape the majority of the damage, although the apprentice did get in a rather deep slice.

"Damn!" Dmitri exclaimed, clutching at the wound. It was rather painful, and blood was flowing rather freely from it, but it wouldn't kill him. Dmitri remembered a teaching from his own Master, 'Technique always triumphs over strength and knowledge,' and so as he rushed forward to meet the apprentice again, he slipped into the more graceful fighting of the Makashi style he'd mastered during his exile.

[Meira]

Renata smiled as the hate in both Jerek and the stranger boiled into combat. Her eyes flashed with equal intensity as their blades as they clashed, separated, and clashed again. The stranger was strong, but Jerek was smart. Who would outlast the other? Then, Jerek brought his blade across the man's chest. Good. She said through the force to him. See how you bring out his rage. Use it!

Then the stranger switched tactics. Renata recognized the elegant Makashi form as he rounded on Jerek. Watch him and let the force guide your blade. She said again, speaking to Jerek's mind. As this man switched styles, it would be an excellent opportunity for Jerek to learn the improvisation that Niman provided. Be as a leaf swept up in the wind of the force. Niman combines the strengths of all styles and leaves you no weakness. You will not be stronger than him, but you will leave him no chance to best you. Feel the force flow through you.

In truth, she knew that this stranger was too strong. He would outlast Jerek, even as he learned. But that was why Renata stood by, at the ready. Her master would not be pleased if one, or both of these two possible recruits died under her watch. No, they would live, and they would bow before the Sith. But that didn't mean she couldn't have some fun.

Her inner voice then turned to the stranger. You are a fool if you think you can defeat us. We are not mere Jedi. Her thin, mad smile stretched across her lips as she felt his hatred. He used it so well to his advantage. He would be a good servant to her master. A good pet.

[Kross]

((Is Jerek going to move on, or am I supposed to make the next post?))

[Jerek]

Jerek blocked the man's lightsaber movements, then cut him across the chest. Jerek's eyes followed the glowing lightsaber of the man. He switched to the form Makashi. Jerek had also mastered this. He began to fight back with the same technique. Then, Renata sent him messages. you under estimate me. I too know this form he uses, among other ones. Watch, Lady Renata... Jerek blocked another elegant motion of the lightsaber, then he was suddenly propelling through the air and over the man, blocking an upper slash by him.

Jerek landed behind him, his lightsaber poised at his back. The man swung backward. Jerek was too fast for him. He had already jumped onto the left wall and the right, then landed before the man. Jerek closed his eyes for a moment, but he wasn't blind. He saw the man still through the Force. The man charged. Jerek deactivated his lightsaber, ducking to the right. Then, he had ignited it again before the man realized Jerek was ducking. The yellow blade stopped at the man's chest.

But, the man slashed at Jerek suddenly. Jerek flipped backward, getting a footing on the wall, then flew to the other one. He finally flipped down a few feet from the man. Jerek re-clipped the weapon to his belt, then began concentrating on his hands. They began to tingle, then he shot them in the direction of the charging man. Blue lightning had erupted from Jerek's hand and was sailing for the man's open wound on his chest. The lightning was just a fraction faster than the man and struck him in the chest.

Jerek used the Force to lift his lightsaber up to his hands and activated it again, preparing for the man to retaliate.

[Kross]

What are you doing, you fool?! Dmitri cursed himself. He's not much faster than you, he's not as powerful, his Makashi is sloppier, and you are a better lightsaber combatant, why are you allowing yourself to be beaten by this mere Jedi apprentice? Dmitri spared a glance at the woman. Could she have taught him something? Quickly, he shook this thought off. Nothing I don't know.

Moving back into combat with the enemy, Dmitri stopped his reckless charging tactics, keeping his rage in check, harnessing his hatred instead of exploding with it. It was this that had allowed the apprentice to best him thus far. His right hand came off of the blade, as he had been taught that Makashi was best used with one hand; and he began making more precise, timed movements.

The apprentice's small speed disadvantage began to fall beneath him, as his acrobatics were no longer surprising Dmitri as much as they had, now that Dmitri was focused. Dmitri managed the same as the man had earlier, getting off a strong parry and slashing at the chest. If only Dmitri were so lucky as to have injured him as well. Instead, the apprentice rolled, displaying his acrobatic abilities again.

"I tire of your rabbit tactics, Jedi!" Dmitri shouted. Taking a low swipe, Dmitri coerced the man into taking a leap over his head again, and with the time he bought, Dmitri ran at the apprentice's destination. The man could not change direction in mid-air, nor could he stop his charging foe. Instead, Dmitri crashed into the apprentice at full speed, sending the both of them into the wall. Using his superior strength, Dmitri wrested the apprentice's lightsaber from his hand now that they were in close-proximity.

"And now... you die..." Dmitri said, raising his own blade.

[Jerek]

Jerek was suddenly slammed into a metal wall. His yellow blade deactivated and was brought to his side ont he wal. Jerek closed his eyes and cackled. His eyes snapped back open and he slammed his left hand into the man's wound. The Force quickly rushed to Jerek's aid. A giant pulse wave of it reached Jerek's hand and crashed into the man at point-blank.

The man, being so close was rocketed backward into the opposite wall. Jerek took his chance. He ignited his yellow lightssaber once more and jumped before the man. Jerek used the man to bind the man's hands to the wall and brought his lightsaber up. He He brought it down, but only stopped it before the man's throat. "You are very lucky I am not to kill you..."

[Meira]

Enough.

Renata's words came out clear and strong in the silence that had fallen as Jerek seemed to pull off a victory. She moved forward slowly, her eyes never breaking contact with the stranger. Lower your weapon Jerek. She said without looking at him. And next time... now she did look at him. Stick to Niman, otherwise, you will never learn Jar Kai.

Her eyes then turned back to the stranger, a light amusement dancing in their depths. Poor man. You cannot see what it right in front of you. Her hand reached and she traced his jawline with one thin finger. You and Jerek here, are one and the same. You both hate the Jedi and their Order. You seek the power of the dark side. Her finger reached his chin and she used it to lift the man's face. You are strong, stranger. But you need guidance.

Taking a step backwards, her hand returned to her side. I am Renata, Dark Lady of the Sith. As she spoke the words, an essence of power seemed to rise from her. My master is Darth Iniquitous, and he seeks those who would join him to rid the world of the Jedi scum. Will you join us? Or shall I have Jerek finish his training? The mad smile returned to her lips and flashed in her eyes once again.

[Kross]

((Are we completely ignoring stats here? Jerek, as far as I see it, your character does not have much higher speed and as far as Makashi, physical strength, and melee skill goes, my guy is higher, yet your guy runs circles around my character and somehow bests him in every instance. Your guy doesn't even have a scratch on him. Almost smells of power playing to me. This interferes with my plans, I wasn't intending to lose to Jerek [and I didn't think I would, with superior lightsaber skill stats], I planned to sort of do a Visas rip-off toward Meira. f**k it, I'll improvise))

I... lost? How could I lose to a pathetic apprentice? It's... not right... I had him where I wanted him! The woman had given the apprentice an order, and he'd backed off, and now she was talking. Dmitri wasn't interested in the babblings of a Jedi, not in the wake up such a defeat. His Master would've scorned at such fault, at such stupidity in battle.

I have not used it for some time, but I think the situation warrants it, Dmitri thought, bringing his short lightsaber from inside his robes and holding it in his right hand with his normal one still in his left. He had abandoned the Jar-kai style back on that planet, when the Dark Jedi had left him to die. But the Dark Jedi had still had the two lightsabers on him when Dmitri got his revenge. It was time again, since it seemed that the apprentice was not savvy to this style.

"I refuse to submit to an apprentice!" Dmitri shouted, lunging forward once more at the man.

((Yes, perhaps I'm being difficult, but I do believe the stats should be adhered to just a tad more. Otherwise, Darth Iniquitous could be bested by any normal master if they RP'd it right, eh? Plus, I don't have any plans other than the one I've already planned for, so I'm gonna bludgeon my way back onto that path if you don't mind Btw, Jerek, in regards to your acrobatics: You said you were using Makashi, but you must've been using Ataru, because Ataru is the one that emphasizes acrobatics. Makashi requires far too much precision for all that hopping around))

[Jerek]

Jerek turned to see the man charging at him. He swung his lightsaber up to block the man's blow, but the blow was too fast and powerful. Jerek's yellow lightsaber went flying out of his hand and sliding further across the ground, far toof ar for him to summon it back. The man swung again. Jerek flipped backward. Then, he remembered the other lightsaber clipped to his belt. The curved-hilt flew from his belt and into his hand. This type of handle was more adapted to the Makashi style.

(I hope this is okay? Not ignoring stats or anything? By the way, this is Jerek's curved-hilt lightsaber: )

[Meira]

Renata's eyebrow twitched with irritation. These two apes were so caught up in their battle of testosterone that they would not acknowledge anything else. She had to admit, it was a credit to the stranger. It seemed he had lost, but his anger gave him focus, and he had turned the tide. For Jerek, well... who knew. The man had not listened when she had tried to guide him in the essence of Niman. Instead, he had chosen to change styles. Had he listened, he would have understood that such a change was unnecessary to one who practiced Niman, as it allowed defense against any attack that could be mounted. No matter. He had also proved his mettle in this contest. But now it was really all getting a little too old. Renata was getting bored.

I said ENOUGH! Renata's voice came loud and clear again. This time, her words were accompanied by a pulse in the Force. Generated from her core, and carrying her unmistakable annoyance, this pulse was not harmful, but served as a warning. It would be enough to get their attention and bring the two back to the matter at hand. This man is not my apprentice. She said, moving in closer and beginning to position herself between the two. If he were, I should think I would have taught him to listen better. She let the words hang in the air for a moment before moving on.

We serve a higher purpose, and a higher master. It is not his will that either of you die today. It is his will to rid the galaxy of the Jedi and their corruption. Renata now looked the stranger directly in the eyes. Now, Jerek and I will be leaving this planet shortly, with... or without you. Her hands seemed to hang casually at her sides, but in fact, Renata sensed that perhaps this man wasn't done fighting just yet. So she stood alert and prepared.

[Jerek]

An invisible hand of the Force reached out and grabbed hold of Jerek's scattered lightsaber. The weapon flew back to Jerek's side, clipping itself back onto his belt. He clipped the curved-hilt back on as well, then summoned his cloak. He pulled it around himself. His eyes never left the man though. Jerek may have seemed to be letting down his guard, but he could strike at any moment he needed to.

"Speaking of leaving, Lady Renata, I believe I will be leaving your side for a while. I know I have not learned Jar-Kai or Niman, but I must go back to my homeplanet of Tatooine for personal reasons. Also, I'm sure if you could suplpy me with training holocrons of the two styles, I could learn myself. One other thing, Lady Renata, I was hoping you could look after my apprentice, teach him some discipline. Someting, I am embarrasssed to admit, I could not teach him very well."Jerek's yellow eyes left the man and stopped on Renata.